History of periodontics Periodontics
Periodontics grew from Pierre Fauchard's 1728 description of gum disease, through John Riggs's 19th-century therapy and the founding of the American Academy of Periodontology in 1914, to the science of the late 20th century: plaque as the cause (1965), osseointegrated implants (1965), and regeneration of lost attachment (1982 onward).

- 1728Pierre Fauchard publishes Le Chirurgien Dentiste, describing gum disease (pyorrhea) and its treatment. Source
- 1856John M. Riggs of Hartford, Connecticut, demonstrates his periodontal therapy. Gum disease becomes known as Riggs' disease. Source
- 1914Gillette Hayden and Grace Rogers Spalding found the American Academy of Oral Prophylaxis and Periodontology, with 18 charter members. Source
- 1919The academy takes the name American Academy of Periodontology. Source
- 1939The American Board of Periodontology is organized. Source
- 1947ADA specialty requirements list periodontics as a field for certified specialists. Source
- 1965Löe, Theilade and Jensen prove that plaque causes gingivitis and that cleaning reverses it. Source
- 1965Per-Ingvar Brånemark places the first osseointegrated titanium dental implant. Source
- 1977Brånemark publishes ten years of osseointegrated implant results. Source
- 1982Nyman, Lindhe, Karring and Rylander show new attachment in humans with the guided tissue principle. Source
- 1986Gottlow and colleagues publish guided tissue regeneration with membranes. Source
- 1996The FDA approves enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain) for periodontal regeneration. Source
- 1998Socransky names the bacterial complexes of periodontitis, including the red complex. Source
- 1999The International Workshop sets a classification of periodontal diseases used for 18 years. Source
- 2012John Chao publishes the Pinhole Surgical Technique for gum recession. Source
- 2016The FDA clears the PerioLase Nd:YAG laser for periodontal regeneration in the LANAP protocol. Source
- 2017The AAP and EFP World Workshop in Chicago introduces staging I to IV and grading A to C. Source
Sources
Periodontics Read next
What is a periodontistA periodontist is a dentist who has completed three additional years of accredited residency in periodontics.
Training and schoolsPeriodontists train in three-year residencies accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Board certificationA board-certified periodontist is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology (ABP).
Periodontists and dental implantsPeriodontists place dental implants and manage the bone and gum that hold them.
ResearchThe newest research comes first.
Modern periodontal techniquesModern periodontics rebuilds as well as removes disease.